Polymetals Resources has announced the staged resumption of operations at the Endeavor Silver-Zinc mine in Cobar, New South Wales (NSW), Australia, following a recent incident that claimed the lives of two employees.
The staged restart has begun with rostered mining, maintenance and processing employees returning to the day shift.
Over the coming weeks, the workforce will transition to continuous shift operations as part of the resumption of Endeavor mine operations.
The company confirmed that Holly Clarke and Patrick ‘Ambrose’ McMullen lost their lives in the aforementioned incident, while another employee, Mackenzie Stirling, was injured and is currently recovering at home.
Polymetals emphasised that the safety and well-being of its employees is paramount, with counselling services available on site for all team members as they resume their duties.
Polymetals executive chairman Dave Sproule said: “This tragic accident has been an incredibly trying time for the affected families, friends, colleagues and the Cobar community.
“Personally, I have been humbled witnessing the incredible ‘coming together’ by all involved, from our first responders and emergency response team, emergency services, police, community, local churches, regulator, our employees, fellow board members and the many others who have offered help in any way they could.”
The NSW Resources Regulator, NSW Police, and independent mining experts are continuing their investigations into the incident.
The accident involved the unintended initiation of a ballistic disc, which was being set up to release a stope hang-up.
The affected area of the mine remains under a statutory non-entry notice, and Polymetals is coordinating with the Resources Regulator to manage access as necessary.
According to the company, there are no other restrictions to the recommencement of operations.
However, prior to the resumption of blasting activities, Polymetals will conduct a rigorous review of its safety management system, with a focus on the handling and use of explosives at the mine.
The company stated that improvement measures will be implemented if any deficiencies are identified.
Sproule added: “The considered and timely resumption of operations is essential to support our employees and their families. I am so proud of so many and with great resolve the board and I will continue to work alongside all staff. We will move past this accident and continue on our path to see Endeavor back online as the long-term operation we intend it to become.”
In June this year, Polymetals announced the start of continuous production of saleable silver-lead and zinc concentrates from the Endeavor mine.
